Maersk released a number of announcements on its official website today (February 9), mainly related to the company’s first acquisition in 2022, and announced its full-year performance data for 2021.

According to the announcement, Maersk plans to acquire Pilot Freight Services (Pilot), a U.S.-based provider of full-service and cross-border logistics solutions. This is Maersk’s first acquisition of 2022, subject to regulatory approvals, and the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022.

Maersk commented on the acquisition: “This is another important step in our ability to deliver a truly end-to-end integrated logistics capability.”

According to reports, Pilot was established in 1970, specializing in the transportation of oversized/oversized cargo in the B2C and B2B business fields in North America. It currently has 87 locations in North America and has deep B2C expertise in retail, home and electronics.

Following Maersk’s acquisition of Pilot, the two companies share more than 150 logistics facilities in the United States, including distribution centers, logistics hubs and warehouses.

Maersk said: “The depth of Pilot’s onshore logistics, combined with Maersk’s global network, will create new value and provide high-quality and fast transportation services to end consumers in the market.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk Marine & Logistics, said: “Maersk has always been committed to developing truly integrated logistics services for its customers, offering better visibility, more control and greater flexibility. Acquiring Pilot will allow us to “provide better solutions for our customers and support them in accelerating their e-commerce business transformation.” In addition, by utilizing the company’s network resources, we will create more synergies. “

In addition, according to Maersk’s latest 2021 performance figures, revenue rose 55% to $61.8 billion and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) tripled to $24 billion.

Maersk Key Performance Figures for 2021

Maersk continued to strengthen its logistics and services business in 2021, with revenue rising 41% to $9.8 billion. In addition, Maersk has acquired 6 aviation, e-commerce, warehousing and distribution companies and opened 85 new warehousing facilities, thereby increasing the capacity and coverage of its logistics and services business.

In terms of shipping business, due to the disruption of the global supply chain and high freight rates caused by the epidemic, Maersk Line’s business profits increased significantly, with revenue increasing from $29.2 billion in 2020 to $48.2 billion. To improve supply chain predictability, Maersk has significantly increased container equipment and shipping capacity, prioritizing space for long-term customers. Maersk said the percentage of long-term contracts is now 65%, compared with 50% a year ago.

Notably, the use of Maersk’s digital solutions and services will grow significantly in 2021, with revenue from Maersk’s official website Maersk.com reaching $38 billion. Website traffic increased by 15% as customers continued to further adopt digital solutions. Additionally, bookings through the mobile app have increased by more than 15 times.

Maersk CEO Søren Skou said: “The extremely special market environment has driven our record growth and profitability, but has also disrupted global supply chains, with customers facing very serious challenges in terms of terminal efficiency and continued expansion of our global logistics business. “

He expects current market conditions to continue into the second quarter of 2022, with a gradual return to normal in the second half of the year